Banishment and Betrayal

Wynter Dellavale, a witch with "tainted" dark magick, is cast out by her coven, the Moonstar witches, under the cold authority of Priestess Esther. The banishment is not just a loss of home but of identity—exiles from Aeon have their memories wiped. Wynter's magick, marked by death and destruction, is seen as a threat, and her only family, her mother, was exiled before her. The coven's betrayal is sharp, leaving Wynter isolated and vulnerable. The Aeons, immortal rulers of the town, enforce the exile, and Wynter is handed over to Wagner, a keeper with cruel intentions. The trauma of her past—her murder as a child and the darkness that followed—haunts her as she faces a future with no protection, no memory, and no hope.

The Monster Within

As Wagner drives her to her supposed exile, he reveals the truth: exiles are not sent away but murdered. He plans to kill Wynter, as he did her mother. Paralyzed by magick, Wynter is helpless, but the entity inside her—born from her childhood death and resurrection—awakens. With the encouragement of a mysterious deity, Wynter's monster emerges, unleashing vengeance on Wagner. She survives, her memories and power intact, but now fully aware that she is more than a witch—she is a vessel for something monstrous, a revenant with a purpose yet unknown.

On the Run Together

Fleeing Aeon, Wynter rescues a group of captive witches from bounty hunters. Each is an outcast: Delilah, a shapeshifter and potion-maker; Xavier, a chronic liar with a dark past; Hattie, a murderous old woman; and Anabel, a reincarnated soul haunted by past deaths. Together, they become a makeshift coven, the Bloodrose, united by necessity and shared danger. The Aeons place a bounty on Wynter, sending hunters after her. The group's bond deepens as they evade capture, each bringing unique strengths and quirks. Their journey leads them to Devil's Cradle, a sanctuary for the world's monsters, ruled by the exiled Ancients.

Devil's Cradle Sanctuary

The Bloodrose coven arrives at Devil's Cradle, a town founded by the Ancients—immortal beings banished from Aeon. The town is a haven for outcasts, hybrids, and criminals, governed by strict rules and jungle law. Wynter and her crew apply for residency, meeting Cain, the most feared and powerful of the Ancients. The price for sanctuary is steep: partial ownership of their souls. Despite the risk, they accept, knowing it is their only chance for safety. The group settles into their new home, navigating the complex social dynamics of the town and the ever-present threat of the Aeons.

The Price of Souls

Cain claims partial rights to the souls of Wynter and her coven, marking them as his property and under his protection. The arrangement is binding—loyalty and service in exchange for shelter and safety. Wynter's undead soul intrigues Cain, who senses her hidden power and darkness. The coven faces challenges integrating into Devil's Cradle, struggling to find work and acceptance. They ultimately create their own business, leveraging their magical talents. The price of their souls is a constant reminder of their vulnerability, especially as Cain's interest in Wynter grows into obsession.

Bloodrose Coven Rises

The Bloodrose coven carves out a place in Devil's Cradle, using their skills to gain respect and customers. Wynter enchants weapons, Delilah sells potions and cosmetics, Hattie bakes, Xavier reads tarot, and Anabel crafts brews. They navigate rivalries with local businesses and territorial lycan packs, using wit and magick to survive. Their unity and resourcefulness earn them a reputation, but also enemies. Wynter's leadership and the coven's loyalty to each other become their greatest strengths, even as the threat from Aeon looms ever closer.

Cain's Claim

Cain's fascination with Wynter intensifies, drawn by her power, resilience, and the darkness within her. Their relationship becomes a battle of wills—he is possessive, sadistic, and unyielding, while she is independent, cunning, and equally drawn to danger. Cain marks Wynter as his, both physically and metaphysically, placing a barrier on her to prevent others from touching her. Their sexual connection is explosive, blending pleasure and pain, dominance and surrender. Cain's monster, the inhuman entity within him, is possessive of Wynter, further binding her to him. Their bond is as much about power as it is about passion.

Secrets and Seductions

Secrets abound—Wynter hides the true nature of her power and her connection to the deity Kali, while Cain conceals the full extent of his monstrous side and the Ancients' history. Ishtar, a jealous Ancient and Cain's former lover, attempts to sow distrust, warning Wynter that Cain will betray her for his own gain. The coven faces internal and external challenges, from Delilah's karma potions causing chaos to Anabel's dangerous experiments. Loyalties are tested, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Wynter and Cain's relationship deepens, but trust remains elusive.

The Ancients' War Plans

The Ancients learn that Aeon is suffering from a blight—a curse Wynter placed on the land as vengeance for her exile. The Aeons, desperate to save their home, send envoys and keepers to retrieve Wynter, but she and the Bloodrose coven repel every attempt. The Ancients, long imprisoned in Devil's Cradle by the Aeons, see an opportunity for revenge and freedom. They prepare for war, rallying the town's residents and their own soul-bound followers. Wynter's curse becomes the key to luring the Aeons into a battle on the Ancients' terms.

The Curse on Aeon

Wynter's curse devastates Aeon, causing the land to rot and its people to sicken. The Aeons realize only Wynter can undo the curse, but her life is not tied to it—her death will not save them. The truth of her power is revealed: she is a revenant, a witch resurrected by Kali and bound to a monster from the netherworld. The Ancients debate whether to trust or fear her, but Cain stands by her, valuing her as both weapon and lover. The curse is both Wynter's vengeance and her shield, making her the most valuable—and dangerous—person in the coming war.

Enemies at the Gates

The Aeons, led by Lailah and Saul, bring an army to Devil's Cradle, demanding Wynter's surrender. The town braces for battle, with every resident—monster, witch, and outcast—taking up arms. The Ancients and Aeons unleash their full power, elemental magick clashing with ancient curses and monstrous abilities. Wynter and her coven face off against Esther and the Moonstar witches, settling old scores in a brutal magical duel. The battle is chaotic, bloody, and devastating, with alliances tested and secrets exposed.

Battle for Devil's Cradle

The battle rages across the town and its borders. The Ancients and their allies fight with everything they have, using strategy, magick, and sheer ferocity. Wynter's coven proves their worth, fighting as a family and overcoming overwhelming odds. Wynter's monster remains leashed, but her magick devastates her enemies. The Ancients kill Lailah, forcing the Aeons to retreat, but the victory is bittersweet—many are lost, and the threat of further invasion remains. The town is scarred but unbroken, its residents united by shared struggle and hard-won respect.

The Witch Revealed

In the aftermath, Wynter's secret is exposed—she is a revenant, marked by Kali and host to a netherworld monster. The Ancients are shocked but ultimately accept her, recognizing her value and the deity's protection. Ishtar's jealousy and fear lead to a confrontation, but Cain's loyalty to Wynter is unwavering. The coven stands by her, and the town, though wary, acknowledges her as both weapon and ally. Wynter's relationship with Cain deepens, built on mutual darkness, desire, and the knowledge that they are both more—and less—than human.

Vengeance and Aftermath

Wynter exacts vengeance on Esther, sending her to the netherworld, and deals with traitors in Devil's Cradle. The coven mourns losses and celebrates survival, their bond stronger than ever. Cain and Wynter navigate the complexities of their relationship, balancing possessiveness, trust, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. The town rebuilds, and the Ancients prepare for the next phase of their war against the Aeons. Wynter's place in Devil's Cradle is secure, but her future—and the fate of the Ancients—remains uncertain.

The Deity's Warning

Wynter's sleepwalking leads her to Cain's forbidden garden, where Kali speaks through her, warning Cain of possible betrayal and reminding him that Wynter is as much the deity's as his. The conversation is fraught with tension—Cain is both threatened and intrigued by Kali's plans. Wynter's role as a pawn in a larger game becomes clear, and the stakes of her existence are raised. The deity's presence is a constant reminder that Wynter's fate is not entirely her own, and that divine agendas may shape the future of Devil's Cradle.

Love Among Monsters

Despite secrets and dangers, Wynter and Cain's relationship flourishes. Their connection is built on shared darkness, mutual respect, and a willingness to accept each other's monstrosity. The coven's loyalty and eccentricity provide both comic relief and emotional grounding. The town, once wary, comes to respect the Bloodrose coven for their strength and unity. Wynter's curse on Cain—ensuring his fidelity—mirrors his possessive barrier on her, symbolizing their twisted but genuine devotion. Together, they find a sense of belonging and love in a world that rejects them.

The Next War Looms

The victory over the Aeons is only temporary. The Ancients know that more powerful enemies will come, and the cycle of vengeance is far from over. Wynter's role as both weapon and wild card is more important than ever, and her relationship with Cain is tested by the secrets they still keep. The town prepares for the next battle, united but wary. Wynter's journey—from exile and betrayal to power and acceptance—has transformed her, but the future remains uncertain, shaped by the whims of gods, monsters, and the darkness within.

Characters

Wynter Dellavale

Wynter is a witch whose magick was "tainted" by death after she was murdered as a child and resurrected by the deity Kali. Marked as an outcast, she is fiercely independent, resilient, and deeply scarred by betrayal. Wynter is both host and vessel to a monstrous entity, making her a revenant with powers beyond ordinary witches. Her trauma fuels her vengeful streak, but she is also capable of deep loyalty and love, especially toward her found family, the Bloodrose coven. Her relationship with Cain is a complex dance of dominance, trust, and mutual darkness. Wynter's journey is one of self-acceptance, as she learns to wield her power and claim her place among monsters.

Cain

Cain is the most feared and powerful of the Ancients, exiled from Aeon and imprisoned in Devil's Cradle. He is dominant, sadistic, and unyielding, with a possessive streak that borders on obsession. Cain is both man and monster, host to an inhuman entity that craves control and vengeance. His fascination with Wynter is immediate and intense, drawn to her darkness and resilience. Cain's leadership is marked by ruthlessness, but he is also capable of loyalty and passion. His relationship with Wynter challenges his detachment, forcing him to confront his own capacity for love and vulnerability.

Delilah

Delilah is a beautiful, cunning witch with a penchant for mischief and chaos. A descendant of the Black Annis, she is skilled in both magick and seduction, often using her talents to mete out "karma" to those she deems deserving. Delilah's loyalty to the Bloodrose coven is fierce, and her banter provides comic relief amid danger. She is unafraid to challenge authority, including Wynter's, and her antics often land the group in trouble. Beneath her bravado, Delilah craves acceptance and belonging, finding both in her found family.

Xavier

Xavier is a witch with a dark past, raised in a coven that practiced the dark arts. He is a master of deception, using lies to keep people at arm's length. Xavier's magick centers on death—he can reanimate corpses and communicate with spirits. Despite his moral ambiguity, he is fiercely loyal to the Bloodrose coven, especially Wynter. His struggle with ethics and right-hand path is ongoing, and his humor masks deep wounds. Xavier's presence is both stabilizing and chaotic, embodying the group's blend of dysfunction and devotion.

Hattie

Hattie is an elderly witch with a sweet exterior and a deadly past—she has killed all her husbands, justifying her actions as crimes of passion. She is obsessed with romance novels and sex, often providing bawdy commentary. Hattie's magick allows her to shift into a crow, and she is surprisingly formidable in battle. Her loyalty to the coven is unwavering, and her eccentricities endear her to the group. Hattie's presence is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that even the most unassuming can be dangerous.

Anabel

Anabel is a witch whose soul retains memories of past lives, many of which ended violently. She is anxious, paranoid, and often convinced that death is imminent. Anabel's magick is focused on potions and brews, and she is brilliant in her craft. Her alter ego, "Mary," is a bloodthirsty warrior who emerges in battle. Anabel's struggle with her identity and trauma is ongoing, but her loyalty to the coven is absolute. She finds comfort in routine and the support of her found family.

Ishtar

Ishtar is one of the Ancients, a former lover of Cain, and a master of seduction and intrigue. She is driven by ego, insecurity, and a need for adoration. Ishtar's jealousy of Wynter leads her to sow discord, warning Wynter of Cain's supposed betrayal. Her actions are motivated by wounded pride and a desire to reclaim Cain's attention. Ishtar is both ally and antagonist, her loyalty to the Ancients tempered by personal vendettas. Her presence is a constant reminder of the dangers of power and the complexities of immortal relationships.

The Ancients (Azazel, Seth, Lilith, Dantalion, Inanna)

The Ancients are a diverse group, each with unique powers, personalities, and histories. Azazel is cunning and sardonic; Seth is noble and empathetic; Lilith is beautiful and enigmatic; Dantalion is solitary and mysterious; Inanna is regal and wise. Together, they govern Devil's Cradle, balancing their own rivalries and alliances. Their shared goal is vengeance against the Aeons and freedom from their prison. The Ancients' interactions with Wynter range from suspicion to acceptance, and their leadership shapes the fate of the town.

Esther

Esther is the cold, ambitious leader of the Moonstar coven, responsible for Wynter's exile. She is ruthless, power-hungry, and unrepentant, willing to sacrifice others for her own advancement. Esther's actions set the story in motion, and her eventual confrontation with Wynter is a reckoning for past betrayals. Her downfall is both personal and symbolic, representing the consequences of cruelty and the triumph of vengeance.

The Aeons (Lailah, Saul, Adam, Abel)

The Aeons are the ancient, secretive rulers of Aeon, wielding godlike power and enforcing strict hierarchies. Lailah and Saul lead the invasion of Devil's Cradle, driven by desperation and arrogance. Adam and Abel, more distant, represent the old order and the source of the Ancients' exile. The Aeons' actions are motivated by self-preservation, pride, and a refusal to accept change. Their conflict with the Ancients and Wynter is both personal and cosmic, a battle for survival, vengeance, and the right to exist.

Plot Devices

Exile and Found Family

Wynter's banishment from her coven and the loss of her mother set her on a path of self-discovery and vengeance. The trauma of exile is mirrored in the formation of the Bloodrose coven—a found family of outcasts who support and challenge each other. This device explores themes of belonging, loyalty, and the power of chosen bonds over blood ties.

The Monster Within / Duality

Wynter's resurrection by Kali and the presence of a netherworld monster within her create a duality—she is both witch and revenant, human and inhuman. This internal conflict drives much of the plot, as Wynter struggles to control her power, conceal her nature, and accept herself. The device also serves as a metaphor for trauma, rage, and the capacity for both destruction and healing.

Soul Contracts and Ownership

The Ancients' practice of claiming souls in exchange for sanctuary is a central plot device, symbolizing the cost of safety and the loss of autonomy. The soul contract binds Wynter and her coven to Cain, creating both protection and vulnerability. The device is used to explore themes of power, consent, and the nature of true freedom.

Foreshadowing and Prophecy

The presence of oracles, prophecies, and Kali's cryptic interventions foreshadow key events and shape character decisions. The device creates tension and suspense, as characters struggle to interpret signs and warnings. Kali's prophecy of betrayal and the Ancients' preparations for war are examples of how foreshadowing drives the narrative forward.

War and Vengeance

The conflict between the Ancients and the Aeons is rooted in ancient betrayal and the desire for vengeance. The curse on Aeon, the invasion of Devil's Cradle, and the climactic battle are all manifestations of this cycle. The device is used to question the cost of revenge, the possibility of forgiveness, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Secrets and Revelations

The story is structured around secrets—Wynter's true nature, Cain's monstrous side, the history of the Ancients, and the motives of the Aeons. Revelations are timed to maximize emotional impact and drive character development. The device explores the dangers and necessity of secrecy, the pain of betrayal, and the liberation of truth.

Power Dynamics and Consent

The relationship between Wynter and Cain is a constant negotiation of power, both sexual and existential. The devices of magical barriers, soul contracts, and curses are used to explore themes of consent, autonomy, and the balance between desire and control. The story challenges traditional notions of romance, presenting love as a partnership between equals who embrace each other's darkness.

Analysis

Suzanne Wright's The Wicked in Me is a dark, sensual, and subversive fantasy that interrogates the nature of power, belonging, and identity through the lens of exile, found family, and monstrous transformation. At its core, the novel is about what it means to be cast out—by family, society, or fate—and the ways in which trauma can both wound and empower. Wynter's journey from betrayed outcast to powerful revenant is mirrored by her found family, the Bloodrose coven, whose loyalty and eccentricity provide both comic relief and emotional depth. The relationship between Wynter and Cain is a masterclass in the negotiation of power, consent, and vulnerability, challenging traditional romantic tropes by embracing darkness, dominance, and mutual respect. The novel's world-building is rich and immersive, blending myth, magick, and psychological realism. The use of soul contracts, curses, and divine intervention raises questions about autonomy, destiny, and the price of safety. Ultimately, The Wicked in Me is a story about embracing one's monstrosity, forging bonds in the face of rejection, and finding love and purpose in a world that fears what it cannot control. The lessons are clear: true strength lies in self-acceptance, chosen family can heal the deepest wounds, and even the wicked can find redemption—if they are brave enough to claim it.

Last updated: September 26, 2025